Fuel-efficient Duterte trimaran boat in the works, DOST says

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has given the go signal to start the assembly and construction of the  first trimaran vessel in the country to be fueled by a mix of gas and sea water.

Science Secretary Fortunato  T. de la Peña, who came to visit the project site this week, said that he considers the project a part of the three topmost priority to be undertaken by the department this year. The two others include the space program and artificial intelligence.

The DOST has pledged some P76 million to fund the trimaran project, which will be implemented with the collaboration of other agencies, such as the Aklan State University (ASU), Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, Metallica Consultancy and the Aklan Congressional Office.

“This project is responding to the call of the Duterte administration, which is economic empowerment to the different regions. I am committing the entire force of the different DOST agencies if needed,” de la Peña said in an interview.

It was learned that while de la Peña was discussing the details of the project implementation, the DOST Central Office in Manila had already deposited an initial P43 million to the bank account of the ASU as manifestation that the project will start.

Engr. Jonathan Salvador of the Metallica Consultancy, who conceptualized the project, said that he would finish the project as early as a year and a half. He dubbed the project as the dual stroke cylinder pumps with 30 units working, or simply Duterte.

“The first phase would be the construction of the vessel, while the second phase is the creation of the needed technology for the vessel to be able to operate using ocean energy,” he said.

The vessel is being envisioned to be a combined passenger and cargo vessel similar to that, but smaller than a Roro (roll- on, roll-off) ship.

Gas combustion would still power the trimaran during port maneuvering, but the so-called ocean wave energy would propel the vessel when it sails in open water.

“In my estimate, the vessel could conserve at least 20 percent of the overall regular consumption of gas. I see this project as a feasible because the Philippines is an archipelagic country,” Salvador said, assuring the boat project is both environment friendly and cost-efficient.

“I am also planning to use Euro 4 or Euro 5 technology for the project,” he added. Salvador worked as chief engineer for several shipping companies in Europe, and has been into local shipbuilding.

Salvador, likewise, bared future plans to build smaller boats for fishermen.